FROM LASERS TO BALLOONS: THE SKINNY ON SLIM-DOWN TREATMENTS

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New treatments and procedures claiming to blast fat and smooth skin enter the market regularly, offering the possibility of a contoured, toned body. Many people who exercise regularly, and watch what they eat find stubborn weight collecting anywhere from the back, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and derrière. Frustrated, they seek solutions, but which ones deliver and how safe are they? To give us answers, we turned to Dr. Stanley Poulos, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay area and co-founder of Plastic Surgery Specialists who has over 3 decades expertise in body aesthetics.

What is driving women’s decisions to try these treatments and how have attitudes changed from a decade ago?

Ten years ago, women would come to my office with photos of celebrities who were working with highly effective fitness trainers. Today both women and men come to my office, show me a random “hot body” in their Instagram feed, looking fabulous in a swimsuit, and want to look like that person. Social media bombards people with images, and they feel if these people aren’t well-known celebrities and look great, then they can too.

What are the most common frustrations when it comes to achieving their desired look?

Well, most people try their best to work out, watch what they eat and try to take care of themselves. They notice, though, that through pregnancies, hormonal and metabolism shifts that happen with age, gravity is winning. Men notice more fat around the waist and “breasts”, women notice cellulite dimples in their thighs and buttocks, bra rolls, extra fat at the waist despite maintaining their diet and exercise routines. A workout routine at 45 will not yield the same results as 35; it becomes frustrating. Collagen production typically falls off a cliff at a certain point in the early 50s; this means treatments need to treat both fat deposits and skin tightening.

What do you advise them to do? There are so many treatments to choose from. It can be overwhelming.

Absolutely, and it’s very important to approach any procedure with the facts and a realistic expectation of what’s achievable, and required.. Some women think they just come in for a few hours and they are magically transformed. In some cases, results are immediate, and in other cases healing can take up to 2 to 3 months.

Ok so let’s explore these treatments. What’s the best one out there to deal with cellulite? It seems like most women struggle with cellulite.

Cellulaze

Yes, cellulite is a very common issue women want a solution for, and fast. Cellulaze is a treatment that safely and effectively treats cellulite under local anesthesia with initial results appearing in one to four weeks, with significant results due to thickening collagen by four months. The 2-hour treatment involves an injection of a local anesthetic and wetting solution onto the cellulite, which is then zapped with a laser. This unique side-cutting laser removes the contracted fibrous bands responsible for the cellulite. Finally, the subdermal region is treated for increased collagen production. The result is tight, smooth, supple skin where the cellulite once was. Many women opt to get Cellulaze along with liposuction to address several concerns at once.

Vaser Hi- Def liposculpture

Yes, let’s talk about liposuction. How has that treatment changed?

Well, I’ve seen significant improvements over the years. Now, we have a much more precise method called Vaser Hi-Def LipoSculpture. This method is liposuction, but with techniques and tools that precisely suction out localized fat deposits from various parts of the body. This technique is used effectively, for example, in “sculpting” the washboard abs so desired by many. The fat that is harvested can then be used to fill out other areas of the body. The differentiating factor between Vaser Lipo and traditional Liposuction is the preliminary step taken to break down the fat: ultrasound frequencies. The acronym Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.

The vibrations emitted cause expansion and contraction of air bubbles located in tumescent fluid which is ejected from the Vaser Lipo instrument. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. This means eight times less blood loss, easier fat removal, stimulated skin elasticity, less bruising and a tiny incision. Through this process, the fat that is collected is separated to use for fat injections in other areas. The surgeon has the ability to truly sculpt the body.

Balloon Weight Loss Method

What about people who have 20-50 pounds to lose, but not enough weight for gastric bypass surgery?

These patients can be considered for the Balloon Weight Loss Method. An ideal candidate for this procedure has a body mass index of 30 to 40 and did not had previous weight loss surgery. Patients diagnosed with bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, high liquid calorie intake habits or similar eating related psychological disorders are not good candidates.

This non-surgical outpatient procedure begins with a diagnostic endoscopy, to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform. Once the patient is mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin. The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into the stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline, it expands to approximately the size of a grapefruit and remains there for 6 months. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Patients can usually return home after the placement or removal procedures within 30 minutes. Over the last 20 years this procedure has helped over 277,000 people. The gastric balloon encourages portion control while patients make healthy changes to diet and lifestyle. After six months the balloon is then removed.

What’s key here is to find a doctor who provides the full support and team to address diet and exercise to achieve and maintain optimal results. Dr. Poulos has assembled a team that has achieved some of the best nonsurgical weight loss results in the country.

Regardless of what you choose it’s important to do your research by speaking to doctors and understanding the instruments used, the process and what’s needed for an optimal recovery and result.

About Dr. Poulos:

Dr. Poulos is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists recognized as one of the premier aesthetic surgery clinics in Northern California.

Dr. Poulos helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and has extensive experience in body contour procedures. With over 30-years’ experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Poulos has been on the forefront of innovative procedures such as the quick-lift facial rejuvenation, mommy makeover, and vaser lipo-contouring. Dr. Poulos combines his consistent knowledge of new treatment options with his mastery of facial and body symmetry.

His recent focus has been on the gastric balloon, a groundbreaking, non-surgical, medically assisted, outpatient procedure offering weight loss to those seeking to lose between 30 and 75 pounds who may be ineligible for the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. This exciting new procedure allows patients to achieve optimal health and, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, the results have been exceptional.

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco prior to entering private practice in Marin County where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)

The Grades Are In: Most Americans Score 'F' On Fat IQ Test

New study from MDVIP and Ipsos reveals startling gaps in Americans' dietary and weight loss knowledge; study points to physician intervention as missing link in obesity management

Boca Raton, FL, July 9, 2018 — While 85 percent of Americans say they know how to eat right, more than half flunked a basic quiz on dietary facts and weight loss. The MDVIP Fat IQ Survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, reveals contradictory behaviors relating to obesity and weight management and explores deeper motivations that may stimulate lifestyle changes and offer Americans a higher probability of losing weight successfully.

America's Fat IQ Report Card

Grade on Fat IQ Quiz    % of Respondents
A Grade (90%+)        <1%
B Grade (80%-89%)    2%
C Grade (70%-79%)    10%
D Grade (60%-69%)    32%
Fail (0%-59%)        56%

"Contrary to what most Americans think, they are largely ill-informed when it comes to proper dieting and weight loss,” said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. "It's easy for people to become overwhelmed by the constant flood of information, which can be confusing. For instance, many people still believe that strength training makes it harder to lose weight, when actually having more muscle helps you burn more calories. As their report card shows, Americans need help separating the facts from fiction.”

Physician Intervention May Fill Gaps

The survey shows a staggering 82 percent of adults are currently over their ideal weight. When it comes to shedding excess pounds, 4 out of 5 Americans say that hearing from a doctor that they need to lose weight would motivate them (83 percent). An even greater number (90 percent) say they would be influenced if a doctor told them that they have a serious health risk. Yet, only 1 in 5 Americans say they've actually asked their primary care doctor for weight loss help or advice (20 percent).

Dr. Klemes said, "Obesity is a serious disease that warrants medical attention and treatment. Yet, the survey data suggests that Americans aren't tapping into the one resource that could have the most influence on their weight – their physician. Time constraints in the exam room are a serious limitation, plus the misconception that obesity is a personal choice prevents people from establishing an open dialogue with their doctor. Instead, the topic of weight doesn't come up until it's manifested into a more pressing health concern like chronic back pain, high cholesterol or worse – a diagnosis of diabetes, heart disease or cancer.”

Additional Statistics

The survey uncovers additional layers of inconsistency in what Americans say they know about nutrition, dieting, and their motivations and barriers to weight loss:

•    3 out of 4 Americans admit they would feel better if they tried harder to stay fit (75 percent).

o    But most say lack of motivation to stick with a diet or exercise plan (58 percent) and lack of willpower to resist food temptations (55 percent) are top reasons they have more difficulty losing weight.

o    More than a third of Americans blame their weight-loss difficulties on bad genetics (35 percent).

•    85 percent of Americans claim they have the knowledge to eat the way they think they should.

o    However, the same percentage of Americans either under-estimate (50 percent) or don't know (35 percent) how many calories they need to burn to lose one pound of weight. The correct answer is 3,500 calories.

•    3 out of 4 obese Americans say they diet and exercise out of concern about their long-term health (75 percent).

o    Yet, nearly two-thirds of obese Americans believe most diet plans ultimately fail (64 percent).

o    1 out of 4 obese Americans have actually put off or considered delaying a doctor's appointment until they lost weight.

Comparable to other published data on U.S. adult obesity rates, 35 percent of the survey respondents are classified as obese, and another 30 percent are overweight based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). Obese Americans are known to have an increased risk for many serious diseases and chronic conditions, including hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

In addition to the national findings, the MDVIP Fat IQ Survey provides regional results for 10 major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix and Miami.

To learn more about the survey results and to test your own Fat IQ, visit www.mdvip.com/FatIQ.

About the Study
These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted May 29 – June 1, 2018, on behalf of MDVIP. For the survey, a sample of 1,003 adults ages 18 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online, in English. A boost sample made up of adults living in the following 10 cities (as per CBSA definitions provided by the Census Bureau) was also interviewed (roughly 300 interviews completed in each city): Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington, DC. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of ±3.5 percentage points for all respondents surveyed, and ±6.5 percentage points for respondents in each city.

For more information about Ipsos' online polling methodology, please visit the website at: https://www.ipsos.com/en.

About MDVIP

MDVIP leads the market in membership-based healthcare that goes far beyond concierge medicine services. With a national network of over 900 primary care physicians serving more than 300,000 members, MDVIP is at the forefront of consumer-directed care. MDVIP-affiliated physicians limit the size of their practices, which affords them the time needed to provide patients with highly individualized service and attention, including a comprehensive annual preventive care program and customized wellness plan. Published research shows that the MDVIP model identifies more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, delivers more preventive health services and saves the healthcare system millions of dollars through reduced hospitalizations and readmissions. For more information, visit www.mdvip.com.

Help Stop Dementia In Its Tracks! Dr. Timothy Jennings Tells Us How

Chattanooga, TN, July 12, 2018 ― Dr. Timothy Jennings is a psychiatrist, an international speaker, and bestselling author.  Jennings introduces his new book, The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind.

Dr. Jennings prescribes simple, everyday actions we can take to stave off disease, promote vitality, and prevent dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's. "The choices we make now can help us to keep our minds sharp and maintain our independence as we age,” says Jennings.

An easy-to-use guide to maintaining brain and body health throughout life, The Aging Brain is based on solid, up-to-date scientific research, and the interventions discussed may help prevent progression toward dementia, even in those already showing signs of mild cognitive impairment. The recommendations also may help reduce disability and depression.

"This book isn't just for people hoping to slow the aging process,” says Jennings. "It's also for anyone who is a caregiver to someone at risk of or already beginning to suffer from dementia. It offers a hopeful, healthy way forward.”

Jennings, who maintains a private practice in Chattanooga, TN, has authored several books. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Fellow of the Southern Psychiatric Association, and is president and founder of Come and Reason Ministries.

For more information about Dr. Jennings, please visit the website: https://www.agingbrainbook.com.

To connect with Dr. Jennings, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/DrTimJennings/ and https://twitter.com/timjenningsmd.

The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind
Baker Books
Release Date: June 2018
ISBN-10: 080107522X
ISBN-13: 978-0801075223

Phoenix Tears Signs Agreement to Offer  

CBD Products at 7-Eleven Stores in 2018

Company Will Immediately Serve Hundreds of Locations Nationally;

The Products Are Slated To Be Carried By Thousands Of 7-Elevens Within The Twelve Months. 

Denver, CO, May 22, 2018 –Phoenix Tears (www.phoenixtearswellness.com), a provider of hemp-based Cannabidiol (CBD) products for consumers, announced it has entered a distribution agreement to introduce its CBD products to hundreds of 7-Eleven stores across the United States. The roll-out will focus on locations in Nevada, Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, Washington, DC, Florida, and California. The products are slated to be carried by 4,500 7-Elevens by the end of the year. The company expects to reach over 7,000 stores over the next three years. The agreement to place Phoenix Tears products in 7-Eleven stores was made with MarketHub Retail Services, a distributor that works with 7-Eleven franchisees.

Phoenix Tears offers several hemp-based products that have demonstrated proficiency in addressing a wide range of health-related issues, ranging from stress and anxiety, to inflammation and pain. Since its founding in 2010, Phoenix Tears has been at the forefront of cannabidiol research and is considered a visionary provider of safe and effective CBD products that tangibly improve wellness for some 20,000 individuals around the globe.

“We are excited that 7-Eleven will bring the Phoenix Tears product line to millions of Americans who can benefit from this all-natural, safe, and market-proven health alternative products,” said Janet Rosendahl-Sweeney, founder of Phoenix Tears. “In addition, this agreement confirms our belief that CBD’s status as a mainstream wellness option has arrived. We’re eager to usher in a new era of effective, holistic, hemp-based supplements that are now as easy to buy as stopping by the local convenience store.”

Established by Janet Rosendahl-Sweeney, a biologist, engineer, and tireless advocate of CBD products for therapeutic use, Phoenix Tears has created a viable ecosystem of resources to help educate the public on the profound benefits of hemp-derived wellness remedies. The company has a robust go-to-market strategy that includes retailer training, awareness campaigns, and community outreach through relationships with numerous philanthropic organizations.

According to Forbes, the cannabidiol (CBD) market is projected to increase by 700 percent by 2020. Phoenix Tears has been a leader in this sector by providing research, education, and consumer advocacy to help increase the public’s awareness of these products.

“Phoenix Tears is a trusted brand that has served consumers’ wellness goals for nearly a decade,” said Blake Patterson, president at MarketHub Retail Services. “We’re delighted to introduce Phoenix Tears’ CBD products to hundreds of 7-Elevens across the country, and address the growing consumer demand for effective, safe CBD-based products that can now be easily sourced over-the-counter.”

To learn more about Phoenix Tears, visit www.phoenixtearswellness.com.

About Phoenix Tears

Phoenix Tears is a manufacturer of Hemp-based CBD products for consumer use. The company is considered one of the industry’s foremost leaders in the research, production, and use of CBD products.

Since its founding in 2010, the company has produced over 140 formulations, and has served nearly a quarter of one million individuals. Phoenix Tears is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and has offices in Las Vegas and New York.

Resilience, Recovery and Awareness:

CAMIMH Announces the Faces of Mental Illness for 2018

(TORONTO, ON) July 17, 2018 – Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) proudly announces the five Canadians who have been selected for the 16^th annual Faces of Mental Illness campaign.

“This year the focus of our campaign will be to push for mental health parity,” said Fred Phelps CAMIMH Campaign Chair. “These five individuals are bravely sharing their personal stories and will inspire Canadians and policy-makers to recognize that mental illnesses deserve treatment, funding and dedicated research similar to any major health issue.”

The Faces campaign, presented by Bell Let’s Talk, will tell the stories of five Canadians who are living with mental illness, and underline the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Each year, CAMIMH receives hundreds of nominations filled with inspiring stories of resilience and recovery about individuals who want to raise awareness across Canada.

“Bell Let’s Talk is proud to support CAMIMH and the Faces of Mental Illness campaign,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “By openly sharing their struggles with mental illness, these outstanding Canadians are helping to reduce the stigma of mental illness in Canada. Congratulations to the 2018 Faces of Mental Illness.”

The 2018 Faces of Mental Illness:

Shania Pruden (Winnipeg, MB) Shania is an Indigenous rights activist, blogger and youth motivational speaker living with OCD and depression. She started her blog to raise awareness about Indigenous rights in Canada, and is now focused on writing about mental health, truth and reconciliation and youth empowerment.

B Adair (Hardisty, AB) After a number of traumatic calls as a paramedic in a rural community, B began struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression. B faced the challenges of living in an isolated community where mental health services were not adequate and coming out as transgender was difficult. B is now in recovery with his mental illness and takes pride in being an advocate for people in rural areas who struggle with their identities and mental illness.

Frédéric Tremblay (Québec, QC) OCD has been part of Frédéric’s life since adolescence. His mental illness spiralled out of control during his late-twenties and for the subsequent 10 years. Frédéric sought treatment from psychologists and psychiatrists and now works to help people living with OCD cope with the disorder and lead a stable life.

Sylvie Mercier (Montréal, QC) Sylvie began experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder later in life, and it took her some time to recognize and accept she needed support. Her diagnosis and path to recovery was challenging and took a toll on her family. Sylvie now lives in recovery and continues to work in health and wellness.

Julie Keddy (Digby, NS) Not knowing why she was having negative spiralling thoughts for much of her life, it was a relief for Julie when she was diagnosed with anxiety, OCD and depression. With counselling and medication she now lives in recovery. As a teacher in a rural community, Julie helps provide support for students struggling with mental illness.

The Faces will be featured in a national media outreach and advocacy campaign, which will include videos that will be shared with Parliamentarians at an event during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), October 1 to 7, 2018.  MIAW encourages action and engages Canadians in a public conversation about mental illness.

CAMIMH would also like to thank its generous sponsors who make this campaign possible: Bell Let’s Talk, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Lundbeck Canada Inc., Innovative Medicines Canada, and Impact Public Affairs.

OPIOID AWARENESS FOUNDATION TO HOST RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY CELEBRATING JOINING THE BOCA RATON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Boca Raton, FL, July 17, 2018 – The Opioid Awareness Foundation(http://opioidawarenessfoundation.org) will be hosting their ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of joining the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce on July 25 at 5:30 pm.

The Opioid Awareness Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and assist families who have been affected by the opioid crisis, fund new research for treatment, distribute Narcan to public and private organizations without a budget for it, and create a nationwide advertising campaign to heighten awareness of the opioid epidemic in the USA.

The Opioid Awareness Foundation ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur at their office in the Transmedia building located at 240 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 310, Boca Raton, Florida.

“When a drug infiltrates a family, it’s like being in a war as it’s a constant battle,” said Adrienne Mazzone, President of Transmedia Group(https://www.transmediagroup.com/), who has witnessed first-hand the domino effect that plays out in this struggle. “The Opioid Awareness Foundation is fighting such a terrible epidemic and is doing great things for an important cause and we should all be supporting it in our own ways,” added Mazzone.

There will be hors’ devours provided by Chef Z as well as Family Food Brokers clients showcasing their products and refreshments donated by Dennis Taback throughout the Transmedia building during the event.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur at 6:15 pm in the front of the building just opposite Boca Raton City Hall.  A business card drop will enter you in a raffle to win a variety of prizes including the new Moroccan Gold Series hair products as well as gift bags for the first 30 people.

Steve Bate, President of the Opioid Awareness Foundation, is a former politician, informational technology innovator and cancer survivor who will be making a speech during the ribbon-cutting ceremony

The board of directors is a diversified, knowledgeable and experienced influential team that includes Ronald Silver, an award-winning politician and legislator; Joseph Radich, the owner and clinical director of RENEWU Medical, a practice that endorses natural treatments and therapies; Joseph Shane Riveira, a behavioral therapist with experience in addiction treatment; Janet Walker, a large Certified Public Account firm owner ; Laurel Bennett, a healthcare informational technology specialist who is currently running for the Florida House of Representatives; Dr. Mitchell Davis, the gastroenterologist named top doctor in Florida; Peter Wein, a radio personality and community influencer; Jozette Herrera, a successful businesswoman and real estate agent and MMA fighter and activist Roger Krahl.

“The Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce is such an impactful local organization. We hope to be able to make a difference in our community and the world,” stated Steve Bate, President of Opioid Awareness Foundation.

Bate said joining the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce is a step towards bringing awareness to the opioid epidemic. The Opioid Awareness Foundation headquarters is located in Boca Raton and the organization is hopeful that the community will be active in the fight.

“Our goal is to help the city of Boca Raton become more aware of the opioid crisis and its effects on our community. Awareness is key in aiding the epidemic,” added Bate.

SQN Clinical Launches the Most Advanced Real-time Analytics Tool for Clinical Research

Introducing Comvita  - New Zealand's leading, certified UMF Manuka Honey brand, that is rapidly taking on the US Manuka market and now Canada!

Touted in the natural health world for thousands of years - and quickly taking on the mainstream - Manuka Honey is a simple, single-ingredient food that can be used in a number of ways including:

• Ingested for digestive and immune health support (a spoonful a day, is what we say - great for those winter colds)
• Added to tea, toast or smoothies - or any of your food faves - as a daily superfood for natural energy  (a natural high, without the low)
• Included as part of your daily beauty routine (natural face masks, heck yes)
• Used topically as an antibacterial product for wound healing, staph infections, etc. (with certified UMF rating)

The Comvita brand, in particular, is one of the purest, most potent products in its category. For 4 decades they have ensured that every drop of its Manuka honey is protected all the way from the hives, so the Manuka flower is as alive in the jar as it was at its source. Comvita offers its Manuka Honey in a variety of grades (which I'm happy to dive more into with you) and sizes. It is now available at Costco and Comvita.com.

A new study shows that a particular kind of brain exercise improves performance at a key measure of cognition, even among people in their 80s in assisted living.  The university-led, independent study of residents in 31 senior living communities demonstrates that the cognitive slowing, which is a normal part of aging and which exacerbates age-related decline, can be reversed with a unique speed of processing exercise.

The expression that older people are “slowing down” is literally true of their brain processing speed, which drives all sorts of decline in cognitive abilities (attention, reaction time, memory, decision-making), as well as decline in-real world abilities (balance/gait, driving, maintaining the ability to live independently). Prior studies of older adults using this exercise have shown improvements across those measures, but this is the first such study in an older and more impaired senior living environment.

The exercise examined is found exclusively in the BrainHQ mobile and web apps.

A copy of a press release on the study appears below. You can also access the peer-reviewed study report (which just published in the prestigious Journal of the American Geriatrics Society), and screenshots and videos of the exercise at https://www.brainhq.com/presskit. We’d be happy to help arrange interviews with scientists involved in